Riders formed a long line along the freeway as they headed to Lansing to visit the future site of the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. (Submitted photo)

Dozens of law enforcement officers and supporters are getting ready to boom out of Ferndale astride their motorcycles on a run to Lansing on a special fundraising mission.

Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #130, 2233 Burdette, will hit the road Saturday, June 14, to raise money toward building the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

“There are 571 officers who’ve fallen in the line of duty in Michigan since the late 1890s,” said Debbie Swofford, a member of the Ferndale Auxiliary Police who will ride in a support car and who helps organize the annual event. “Last year we had 70 people participating. Each year the event grows a little more.”

Among those who’ve been involved in the Cops On A Run event over the past four years are relatives of slain Hazel Park police Officer Jessica Nagle-Wilson, 26, shot to death responding to a dog complaint in July 2002, and West Bloomfield police Officer Patrick O’Rourke, 39, who was killed by a suicidal gunman in September 2012.

Advertisement

Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert James, a member of the FOP Lodge in Ferndale, got the idea to start the run after he got a motorcycle and talked to retired Ferndale police Officer Garry Shelly.

“I said, ‘Let’s get a motorcycle event together and do something for the Officers Memorial,’” James said. “We’re doing it for a great cause and we can’t forget those who gave their all.”

The riders start out from the FOP Lodge about 10 a.m. and make it back from Lansing about 4:30 p.m.

Afterwards there is a picnic party at Scout Park in Hazel Park with food, soft drinks, entertainment, beer, raffles and prizes.

The effort raises money with a $25 registration for each rider who goes on the run. All the riders participate in a Poker Rally, where they each pick up a playing card at each of five stops along the way.

In Lansing, the riders visit the site of the future Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and take park in a service with a wreath presentation, Swofford said.

The site is two blocks west of the Capitol building where the riders stop for a group photo before heading back.

“When we come back we’ll be coming south on John R and will pass the Hazel Park Memorial” at John R and Nine Mile Road, Swofford said. “It’s Flag Day that day so we’ll have flags to give people if they want to come out and wave flags to cheer the riders on.”

The Michigan Law Enforcement Memorial site and a funding commission were set up about 10 years ago. The project was expected to require about $3 million in funding donations to open in 2008, but donations of at least $2 million are still needed.

James is hoping for good weather. Two years ago it rained and it was tough making the round trip, he said.

“But no matter what, rain or shine, we’re going,” he said. “It’s the least we can do.”

Anyone interested is registering for the event can contact James at 313-930-3853 or visit copsonarun.com.